Verizon reminds California subscribers to talk handsfree

Warnings and reminders are on everything from coffee to lawnmowers. Are they necessary? Can anyone be protected from doing mindless, thoughtless acts?

Maybe not, but it is still important for companies to make an effort to make their products safe for the consumer. Verizon is steeping up to the plate. They are reminding California drivers about the dangers of driving while gabbing on cell phones. If the message resonates with their subscribers they will also save them some dollars. Instead of spending those dollars on traffic fines I would suggest investing in a Bluetooth headset with voice dialing capabilities.

July 1st, 2008 marks the day that all California drivers must use handsfree options to talk on their cell phones while driving. Under the new law (VC 23123) anyone over 18 years old could be fined at least $20 and as much as $50 for each violation if caught not following the rules. If you noticed I said anyone over 18 years old. Drivers under 18 are out of luck because under this new law (VC 23124) they will not be allowed to speak on their cell phones while driving – handsfree or not.

A few of the reminders include presetting voicemail, favorite music playlists, most dialed numbers and even adding the address into navigation service before you begin driving.

Another Verizon reminder that should be obvious – do not read or send text or multimedia messages while driving.

We can all be sure that the law may be in California today but tomorrow may be in our home state. Fortunately following this law is not difficult. Technologies such as Bluetooth make it very easy to talk on and to operate our cell phones without removing our hands from the wheel – hence the term handsfree.

Read [Business Wire]